Once upon a time, many years ago, I was a teacher. I went on maternity leave after my first was born with the idea that at some point I would return to the classroom. Two years later, I had another child and the idea of going back to work was put on the back burner. I finally realized that as an older mom, with some past medical issues, I just didn’t have the energy to pull off the demands of teaching and raising my 2 girls. Fortunately my husband’s income is enough for us to live on. I have volunteered in the elementary school for the past few years, but there has always the gnawing feeling of wanting to do more. I toyed with the various ways I could volunteer in the community, and finally decided on the best fit for me. I have become a Literacy Volunteer.
I was a high school science teacher, but reading is a whole new subject. I have finished the training and am only beginning this new experience. What is enjoyable is realizing that all the training and skill I acquired during my working days has risen to the surface. It has been there all along, lying dormant, waiting for an opportunity. The planning of a lesson, and deciding on what methods to use, has awoken all the abilities I possessed as a classroom teacher. It has been a reminder of why I became a teacher in the first place. It was always to help individuals realize their true potential and to guide them towards a productive future.
Confidentiality is required in the process. I would never share personal information, so I will not be giving any specific updates. My hope is that I can help people better theirs lives by improving their ability to read and write. Those who dedicate their lives to teaching are not in it for the pay, the hours, awards, or recognition. They do it because they understand the value of an education and how it can better the lives of future generations. They do it because they have compassion, patience, dedication, and revel in the joy of learning. It doesn’t matter if the student load is 20, 100, or in my case 1. An individual, who becomes a teacher, is a teacher for life. It is a vocation and calling that is more than just a job. I have come to understand the reality of once you become a teacher, you will always be a teacher. I am happy for the return.
